Why is Disney the best place on Earth?
Are you planning a Disney trip but not sure which park you should visit?
This complete guide to all things Disney will give you all the reasons why Disney World is the best park for your next vacation.
Whether it’s a family trip, a weekend getaway or a romantic couple’s trip, you can make your Walt Disney World vacation anything you want it to be.
And if you’re nervous about booking it all yourself, don’t worry. You can find a free travel agent who can get you the exact vacation you want.
Ok, ready to see just why Disney World is the best theme park? Check it out below!
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What makes Disney World better than Disneyland?
It’s been the debate of Disney-goers for years. Which park is the best: Disney World or Disneyland?
While Disneyland did come first and it is the only park that Walt got to see completed, I still think Disney World is the clear winner.
The reason why Disney World is the best between the two parks is simply the size.
Disneyland Resort has two parks (Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure) and being that it is located in the middle of Southern California that is all it has room for. There is no way for it to grow. If they put in new attractions, they first have to take out a ride everyone loves.
They reimagine rides at Disney World as well, but they do have space to add more lands, more rides, more shows, and still keep the things people enjoy.
The constant changes are what keep people coming back year after year. There’s always something new to see at Disney World.
What is Disney World best known for?
Disney World is best known for two things.
The first thing is Cinderella’s castle. Every Disney park has its own princess castle and Cinderella’s is the iconic castle overlooking Main Street in Magic Kingdom Park and the symbol of the Walt Disney Company.
The second thing it is known for is being the largest Disney park in the world. The Walt Disney World Resort covers over 25,000 acres of family fun. That’s over 40 square miles (roughly the size of San Franciso!).
Why do people love Disney World so much?
1. It’s huge
Like I said, its size is one of the two things Disney World is best known for.
But what exactly is in those 25,000 acres?
- 4 Disney Theme Parks: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- 2 Water Parks: Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach
- A shopping and dining area, known as Disney Springs
- Themed resorts and hotels for all budgets
- Four professional golf courses and 2 miniature courses
That’s a whole lot of bang for your buck when you’re considering a Disney vacation.
It also means your vacation can be anything you want it to be: your children’s first time, a girls’ weekend getaway, a romantic couple’s retreat. Each of those trips is a completely different experience, and you can make each of them happen at Walt Disney World!
2. Immersive
Being that Disney World is so large means that it is a completely immersive experience.
First, let’s talk about just Magic Kingdom. The park is divided into six different lands; each with its own theme, feel, and music. Once you enter that land, you can no longer see or hear anything going on in other parts of the park.
Even Disney cast members (a special name for Disney employees) working in that area are dressed accordingly and may even have their own accents or mannerisms that go along with the theme.
Simply entering Magic Kingdom is like stepping away from the real world. There is no parking lot visible from the front gates. You either take Disney transportation from your hotel. Or you park at the Ticket and Transportation Center and are shuttled to the font gates by ferry boat or monorail.
Beyond that, if you stay on Disney property, each hotel is uniquely themed and you enter a special place that is well-kept and gives you the same Disney feel, without being surrounded by non-Disney hotels or stores.
Even entering the Main Gates of Disney World property means you are no longer traveling with everybody on the highway. You are now surrounded by all Disney-goers.
This is not something you can get traveling to local amusements parks or even Disneyland itself, being that it is right in downtown Anaheim.
3. Family rides
A big draw to Walt Disney World is that children and parents and even grandparents can experience all the fun of the rides and attractions together.
Some of the best rides for families with young children include:
- Astro Orbiter
- The Barnstormer
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
- Dumbo
- Frozen Ever After
- Gran Fiesta Tour
- Haunted Mansion
- It’s a Small World
- Jungle Cruise
- Kilimanjaro Safaris
- Liberty Square Riverboat
- Mad Tea Party
- The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
- Remy’s Ratatouille Adeventure (new attraction)
- The Seas with Nemo & Friends
- Spaceship Earth
- Splash Mountain (currently being rethemed to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure)
- Swiss Family Treehouse
- Tom Sawyer Island
- Toy Story Mania!
- TriceraTop Spin
- Under the Sea – Journey of The Little Mermaid
- Walt Disney World Railroad
There are also many stage shows and character experiences that kids of all ages will love!
Related: Packing Checklist for Your Toddler
4. Thrill rides
And don’t think that just because there are slow rides that you can’t enjoy some thrill rides as well.
I think the thrill rides come in two categories. Ones that offer a slight thrill (that young children may enjoy) and more thrilling rides for pre-teens and up.
Slight thrill rides include:
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- Slinky Dog Dash in Toy Story Land
- Soarin’ Around the World
Bigger thrill rides include:
- Avatar Flight of Passage located in the World of Avatar
- Dinosaur
- Expedition Everest
- Guardians of the Galaxy (new attraction)
- Kali River Rapids
- Millenium Falcon at Stars Wars Galaxy’s Edge
- Mission: Space (choose the green mission if you’re prone to motion sickness)
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
- Space Mountain
- Star Tours
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
- Test Track
- Tron (newest attraction)
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
And don’t forget to ask about rider swap. One parent can ride with older kids, while the other parent stays behind with younger kids and then switch parents, so you don’t have to wait in the long lines twice.
5. Resorts
The resorts are just one of the many reasons why Disney World is the best.
There are so many resorts, each with their own theming and priced for your personal budget.
Related: How to Budget for Your Disney Trip
And when you enter, you immediately feel like you are part of the magic. Whether it’s giant Disney characters and scenes decorating the outside of the resort, the pool with its special slides or fountains, or the beautiful lobby that greets you at check-in, the feeling you have when you enter your Disney resort is a combination of relaxation and elation. You finally made it, and the magic can now begin!
Between the grounds being perfectly manicured, the hotel rooms being clean and comfortable, and the cast members always having a smile on their face, there is no other hotel that can compare to a Disney resort.
6. Food
Disney World has some of the most amazing food and dining experiences.
Quick service restaurants can be found throughout the parks, but don’t think that is all there is to eat!
Make reservations at a table service restaurant to enjoy some good food, good service, and even some good entertainment.
Some restaurants offer character dining, which means the characters come to you, while you sit and enjoy your meal. Most of the restaurants are themed in some way, so you can expect the cast members to fully immerse you in the dining experience.
And if you’re looking for something a bit different, EPCOT offers food from around the world at each of the countries located in World Showcase. You could even visit during one of the many festivals to try dishes from the many festival food booths!
7. Shopping and dining
Of course, you can shop and eat in any of the parks and resorts. (Each resort has its own restaurant and gift shop.)
But I am talking about Disney Springs! Walt Disney World’s very own outdoor food, entertainment and shopping district. (You may also hear people refer to this area as Downtown Disney, as that was its name more recently.)
It’s a great place to go on the day you arrive, if you’re not heading straight to the parks. Get some food, take a walk, and get a little shopping in. There are also many free things to enjoy while at Disney Springs, including live entertainment.
Another wonderful area to check out for food and entertainment is Disney’s Boardwalk. Located near EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, it gives the feel of Coney Island. There are games to play during the day and street performers in the evening.
You can even stay in the excitement by booking a room at the Boardwalk Inn, which is only a boat ride away from EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
8. Disney characters
Disney characters have to be one of the biggest reasons why Disney World is the best!
You can find all your favorite characters throughout the parks, and sometimes even at your Disney resort.
Between character meet and greets, stage shows, parades, and character dining, Disney characters are all around.
Be sure to check each park for which characters are available. Find Disney princesses, Pooh and friends, and Mickey Mouse and friends at Magic Kingdom. Find princesses and others around Epcot. Mickey and Minnie, Olaf, Sully and characters from Toy Story, Disney Jr, and Star Wars can be found at Hollywood Studios. Mickey and Minnie can also be found at Animal Kingdom.
Get the Memory Maker when you book your trip to get all the pictures with all your favorite characters (and save money when booking early). Bring a pen and book to get autographs from every character you meet!
9. Cast members
Disney cast members are one of the things that makes Disney parks extra special. While they are found in every Disney park worldwide, it’s the little things they do that can make your Disney World trip even more magical.
From the mouse keepers who decorate your room while you’re out for the day. To the custodial staff drawing Disney characters on the pavement first thing in the morning. To the cashiers addressing you by name. It’s truly the cast members who make the magic.
10. Transportation
The Walt Disney World Resort is huge (see reason #1 why Disney World is the best).
But one of the best things about Disney World is that you don’t have to navigate it. Once you are on Disney property, let Disney do the driving.
Use any of Disney’s free transportation to make your way around Disney property. Not only is it free, but some of the transportation is only something you can do at Disney:
- Monorail – The monorail takes you from the parking lot to the front gates of the Magic Kingdom. It also circles the Seven Seas Lagoon, so use it if you’re staying at any of the monorail resorts. You can also take the monorail from Magic Kingdom to EPCOT. And if you have no other reason to ride it, check it out anyway. It’s free and something you can’t do anywhere else!
- Skyliner – The Skyliner is the newest form of Disney transportation and connects four Disney resorts to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. You can use it to park hop between EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, even if you’re not staying at one of those hotels.
- Boats – There are boats available throughout Disney to make your transportation needs a little more enjoyable. There’s a ferry from the front gates of Magic Kingdom to the parking lot. The Friendship boats are available to take you from EPCOT and Hollywood Studios to the Boardwalk Inn. The Sassagoula River Cruise is a free boat ride that takes guests from Disney Port Orleans Resorts to Disney Springs. There are even special fireworks cruises you can book in advance for a romantic moment.
- Buses – Buses are available throughout Disney property to shuttle you from your hotel to the parks and even Disney Springs. It might not be the most unique way to travel, but it’s free and you don’t have to worry about driving (especially after spending all day in the parks).
Related: Fun Things to Do at Disney World That Are Actually Free
11. Fireworks
Disney does not disappoint when it comes to fireworks! And it will ruin you for your local neighborhood fireworks display for years to come.
Between the stunning displays and being synched up to music and video, you can expect large crowds. It’s a good idea to stake out your spot early and find the perfect place to enjoy the evening. For an extra cost, you can even book a fireworks dining package at each of the parks.
You can enjoy nighttime fireworks displays at Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Epcot every night. During peak times, on some nights there are even two shows, so no one misses out.
12. Special events and festivals
There are so many wonderful things to do on your Disney trip. But there are events and festivals held throughout the year to make sure you have the best time whenever you book your vacation.
- After Hours Events are held on select nights in the different Disney parks for an extra cost. You enter after the park closes to experience everything with less crowds.
- Run Disney Events are held at different times throughout the year. You can choose to run a 5K, 10K, half marathon, full marathon or all four races over the course of a four-day weekend. You get a decorative race bib, a medal, and a chance to meet characters along the way. They even have special merchandise to commemorate your run. Check out their virtual races to receive special medals throughout the summer.
- Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party starts in September and runs on select nights through October at Magic Kingdom. There’s a special parade, stage show, dance parties, and character meet and greets. It’s one of the best ways to meet Disney characters that aren’t usually found in the parks, dressed in their favorite Halloween costumes. Kids can also dress up and trick-or-treat throughout the park.
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party starts in November and runs on select nights through December at Magic Kingdom. There’s a special parade and fireworks, stage shows, dance parties, and character meet and greets. Find characters you don’t normally see, dressed up in their Christmas best.
- Holidays at Walt Disney World Resort happen each year beginning November 1 and ending shortly after the new year. Each theme park has its own tree themed to the park. Magic Kingdom has the most decorations of all the parks (as that is where the Disney World parade is televised). Each resort has its own tree, and there is a life-size gingerbread house located at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort that is not to be missed.
- EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays celebrates holidays from around the world. Enjoy the Candlelight Processional, narrated by various celebrities during the season. Try seasonal foods at the holiday kitchens and enjoy cookie trays located throughout the different countries of World Showcase.
- EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is the springtime celebration of flowers, food and music held in EPCOT from March through June. Topiaries of your favorite Disney characters can be found throughout the World Showcase.
- EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival celebrates food from around the world with special food booths placed around World Showcase. It also offers live entertainment nightly and family fun activities and is usually held August through November.
- EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is held in January and February each year and is full of activities for the whole family. Take part in a paint by number mural, art classes held by Disney artists, kids’ chalk art, and artistic photo props. Check out the art for sale and meet the artists themselves. Enjoy the visual art series, concert series, and food booths.
There is an event or festival for everyone, so plan your trip around the events or see what’s happening when you’re visiting.
13. Ever-changing
Between new lands being built, including the World of Avatar, Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land, and new attractions being added, Disney offers amazing new experiences every time you visit.
There are even back-stage tours and different dining options you can take advantage of, as well as seasonal fun in every park.
Even if it’s just something you didn’t get to experience on a previous trip, you can be sure of finding something new for your whole family to enjoy.
14. Nearby attractions
Although I’ve given you many reasons why Disney World is the best, you may not want to spend your entire vacation on Disney property. (It’s okay, I won’t tell anyone.)
There are plenty of other amusement parks and attractions located in and around Orlando that you might enjoy as well.
And if you’ve taken your own car, rented a car, or even grab an Uber, you can easily get to these wonderful attractions.
- Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure is about 15 minutes from Walt Disney World and features the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
- SeaWorld is also about a 15-minute drive and features rides, shows and the characters from Sesame Street.
- Busch Gardens is almost an hour and 20 minutes away and features rides, shows, animal encounters and the characters of Sesame Street.
- Kennedy Space Center is about an hour to an hour and a half drive and features space museums and artifacts, a tour, a chance to meet an astronaut, a simulated launch, and maybe the opportunity to see the real thing.
- Gatorland is about 20 minutes away and features alligators, crocodiles, and many other animals, several ziplines, special tours and even a night shine where you see how gators feed after dark,
- Beaches within an hour and a half drive include Daytona Beach, Cocoa Beach, New Smyrna Beach, and the Canaveral National Seashore (located 35 minutes from Kennedy Space Center).
With so many things to do nearby, you can really make the most of your Disney World vacation.
15. It’s home
The final reason why Disney World is the best? The nostalgia.
Upon entering your Disney resort, someone will greet you by welcoming you home. Many people who have been going to Disney for years say they are heading home.
Whether you’ve been one or a hundred times, it’s the excitement of being able to experience this with your family. You get to see your kids meet Mickey for the very first time, someone who you loved growing up. And maybe you’re meeting him for the first time too.
You get to enjoy the rides and have the feeling of being a kid again. And it’s a wonderful feeling to be able to have a place to share with the people you love.
Many people I have talked to have already started planning their next Disney trip way before their current trip has ended (myself included). And with so much to see, you’re sure to have plenty to do the next time you go!
Conclusion
There you have it: all the reasons why Disney World is the best and you should start planning your next trip! Between everything Disney World has to offer and everything there is to do in the Orlando area, it will be quite an exciting experience.
Have you started planning your next Disney trip? Let us know in the comments. I love reading about Disney when I can’t make it there myself.
Related Articles for Why Disney World is the Best:
- Free Things to Do at Disney World
- How to Afford Your Next Disney Trip
- How to Set Up a Vacation Budget
15 Reasons Why Disney World is the Best
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